Self-relaxation program for acting-out adolescents

The present paper describes an adaptation of Jacobson's Progressive Relaxation aiming to suit the specific needs of a short term residential facility for acting out adolescents (shelter). The relaxation was induced in small groups and was geared to teach the participants self-relaxation. Each session, which lasts about 20 minutes, focused on the major muscle groups of the body. A tape of relaxation instructions was available for the use of individuals or groups, whenever the emotional need arose. A guided interview with twenty two participants indicated that the relaxation program was highly effective in reducing their emotional and somatic complaints, and in helping them to adjust to the shelter.